Phil Kraus

Phil Kraus (1918-2012) was a percussionist who performed on several Sesame Street albums. Kraus was proficient in many percussion instruments, including the vibraphone (his specialty), xylophone, marimba, timpani, bells, chimes, gong, bongos, and on occasion, simply the drums. He worked for decades as one of the most in-demand studio percussionists in New York.

In 1960, Kraus wrote the first of several volumes on the Modern Mallet Method, which with revisions and reprints, remain in use as teaching texts. On film soundtracks, he was heard on The Godfather, Carrie, The Wiz, and Midnight Cowboy.